The father of three-year-old Noah Woods has released a heartbroken statement after a body was tragically found following a large-scale search in Suffolk.
Noah, who was non-verbal and partly deaf, went missing on Tuesday afternoon after running away from the Merriam Close playground in Brantham. He was under the care of his granddad at the time.
Body recovered from Decoy Pond
Suffolk Police Superintendent Tom Pearse confirmed on Wednesday evening that a body had been recovered from Decoy Pond, a nearby fishing lake roughly 0.2 miles from where Noah was last seen. Shortly before 5.40pm, a forensics vehicle was spotted approaching the search site, where police divers had been combing the water.
In a poignant statement, Noah's father Rhys Woods expressed the family's immense sorrow: “There are no words to describe the pain of this loss, we are all absolutely heartbroken, Noah was the sweetest and most innocent little boy, with nothing but love to give, and we are going to miss him so very much.
“It seems he has made an impact across the whole nation, you have all taken Noah into you're own hearts, with all the overwhelming help, we were all just trying to bring him home to us safe and sound.
“A heartfelt thank you to everyone in our community (even far and wide) who came together to search for our boy. The compassion shown by all of you will never be forgotten by us, and brought us comfort and strength at the darkest time of our lives.”
Community search effort
Reflecting on the gruelling search, he added: “This was the most heart-breaking outcome for us, we were just hoping that he would be hiding somewhere obvious where someone could find him, that's what we kept telling ourselves the whole time.
“Noah, you will be loved forever, you will never be forgotten and we miss you so so much, it has been a privilege to be your parents and be able to have packed so much love in the short 3 years you were with us.”
The devastating outcome follows an extensive multi-agency operation that mobilised dog units, police and Coastguard helicopters, and specialist Metropolitan Police divers. Brantham Parish Council had earlier issued urgent social media pleas asking residents to inspect gardens, sheds, and areas beneath outdoor furniture.
More than 1,000 local volunteers joined forces with emergency services in the desperate attempt to locate the youngster. Following the official update from police, emotional volunteers were seen comforting one another in tears.
Police statement
Superintendent Tom Pearse addressed the public on Wednesday evening: “First and foremost our thoughts are with Noah's family and all who knew him.
“As a parent myself, I completely understand why people would want to help and such a response is one that typifies the strong sense of community and the heart-warming nature of Suffolk people that make the county such a special place.
“I am sure you appreciate the family now need time, space and privacy and I thank you for your understanding in this.”
